Days after the violent ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Interim government in Bangladesh will be sworn in tomorrow, the country’s army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced on Wednesday (7th August). During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, General Waker said that the interim government is likely to be sworn in at 8:00pm on Thursday. He also extended all cooperation to the interim government which would be headed by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus
General Waker added that the advisory council may have 15 members. He also hoped that normalcy would return in Bangladesh within three-four days claiming that the situation across the country is improving significantly, as reported by The Daily Star.
The Bangladesh Army Chief assured that all those who were involved in crimes over the past few days will not be spared and legal action will be taken against them. He added that the Air Force and Navy chief are with him and all of them are working together.
It is evident that even though a new interim government headed by an eminent economist will be installed in Dhaka, it will be under the control of the army.
It is pertinent to note that a day earlier, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the Parliament and appointed Yunus as the head of an interim government. President Shahabuddin took the decision after holding a meeting with chiefs of the three services and a 13-member delegation of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Bangabhaban (presidential palace).
The president’s press secretary said that the other members of the interim government will be finalised after consultations with various political parties.
As per reports, the interim government members would be headed by Muhammad Yunus as its Principal Adviser. It will also include – Dr. Badiul Alam Mazumder, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Dr. Asif Nazrul, Dr. Salimulilah Khan, Brigadier General Dr. Sakhawat Hossain, Major General Munirujzaman, Photographer Shahidul Alam, Syeda Rezwana Hasan, Dr. Pinaki Bhattacharya, Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya and Prajesh Chakma.
Nonetheless, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that led this ‘Hasina out’ campaign has earlier confirmed that 84-year-old Yunus had agreed to head the interim government.
Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the concepts of microcredit and microfinance. Yunus who is currently out of the country has described Sheikh Hasina’s ouster as the “second liberation” of the country. He said that he was looking forward to helping the country overcome its current turbulence.
“I’m looking forward to going back home, see what’s happening and how we can organise ourselves to get out of the trouble we are in,” Yunus told reporters before he boarded a Dubai-bound flight at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport. From Dubai, he will take a connecting plane to Dhaka.
The development comes after the democratically elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign following weeks of social unrest, mob violence and arsoning by supporters of opposition party, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami demanding her resignation from the office. However, even after the announcement of an interim government, reports of attacks on supporters and cadres of erstwhile ruling party, Awami League and minority communities, particularly, Hindus and their temples have continued to flood social media.
As Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being overweight for her weight category, the Modi-hating gang has resorted to blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Phogat’s disqualification. This comes despite the fact that during the weigh-in for her gold medal bout against US wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, she was found 100 grams over the allowed weight limit for wrestlers in the 50 kg freestyle category, resulting in her disqualification.
Notably, Vinesh Phogat originally contested in the 53 kg category. But during the time she was off the mat for more than one-and-a-half years due to injuries and the protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Antim Panghal secured an Olympic quota for India in the 53kg category. She then decided to switch to the lighter weight – 50 kg category – to ensure her place in the Olympics.
Despite not being against the rules, she was allowed to contest in qualifiers in both 50 kg and 53 kg categories. She lost the qualifying match in the 53 kg category but won in 50kg. Therefore, she had to keep her weight below 50kg because she qualified for the 50 kg category in the Paris Olympics. But she has been struggling to maintain her weight below the allowed limit for several months now. Her weight was around 2.7 kg a day before the finals, and despite various efforts, including cutting hair, shortening clothes, and sitting in the sauna, the weight could not be brought below 50kg.
Therefore, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on technical grounds, and the govt had no role to play in this. But the Modi haters asserted that somehow PM Modi conspired to ensure Vineseh Phogat’s disqualification for his ego since Phogat had participated in protests against BJP leader and former president of the Wrestling Federation of India. They even insinuated that Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification for being overweight is PM Modi’s “script” as if PM Modi controls gets qualified or disqualified from their respective sporting events.
In this vein, Bollywood entertainer Swara Bhasker wrote on X, “Who believes this 100gms weight story?” She tried to insinuate a conspiracy behind the incident.
The “Rasbhari” actress also reposted certain abusive posts insinuating that not Vinesh’s weight but “someone’s” ego led to her disqualification.
Leftist propaganda YouTuber Dhruv Rathee also peddled the same narrative and posted, “Just for 100gms?? This sounds too unbeliebable.. That much weight can maybe reduced just by shaving the head.” Only if Dhruv Rathee had not “shaved” his brain he would have known that Vinesh Phogat had actually cut her hair short in an attempt to reduce weight.
Actor Prakash Raj, notorious for his anti-Sanatan Dharma fanaticism, asserted that somehow PM Modi contacted the International Olympic Association and asked them to disqualify Vinesh Phogat in exchange for another Rafale deal with the French government. He quoted an X user who said this as what would the likes of Prakash Raj most likely claim. Prakash Raj wasted no time in proving that hating PM Modi is more important than making sense.
One anti-Modi/BJP X user claimed that while PM Modi did not congratulate Vinesh Phogat after her victory on 6th August, he took just five minutes to extend moral support to the wrestler. “Narendra Modi didn’t congratulate Vinesh Phogat yesterday. But today he took just 5 minutes to tweet about moral support for Vinesh Phogat. What a script man,” the X user posted.
One “Ankit Mayank” also found something “fishy” in Phogat’s disqualification and wrote, “Justice for #Phogat_Vinesh. Vinesh defeated 4 times World Champion & Olympic winner. > No tweet by Modi. Vinesh reached Finals. > No tweet by Modi. Vinesh got disqualified. Modi immediately tweeted. Guess what is fishy here,” the pro-Congress X user wrote.
Meanwhile, a ‘journalist’ Jaiky Yadav, notorious for peddling anti-BJP propaganda dragged even Nita Ambani who is a member of the International Olympic Committee. He insinuated that Nita Ambani being an IOC member could have ensured that Vinesh Phogat get more time to lose weight and prevent her disqualification. Probably, he thinks that the timing of sporting events in the Olympics can be changed at the whims of Nita Ambani.
“Nita Ambani is a member of the International Olympic Committee, she represents India in the Olympic Committee. Nita Ambani has been in Paris for a long time, she is also meeting all the medal winning players but When Vinesh Phogat was disqualified, couldn’t she have done something on her own? She could have somehow got Vinesh Phogat extra time for weight and stopped her disqualification,” Yadav.
If this was not enough, the I.N.D.I. Alliance leaders crossed all bounds of absurdity and protested inside the Parliament premises to demand ‘justice’ for Vinesh Phogat. How exactly would the Modi government get ‘justice’ for Vinesh Phogat, by lobbying to get her a medal? Or by rescheduling the wrestling finals so she could lose weight and fight?
भारतीय खेल इतिहास के लिए आज का दिन 'ब्लैक डे' है।
इसे लेकर INDIA गठबंधन के सांसदों ने विनेश फोगट के लिए न्याय की मांग करते हुए संसद परिसर में विरोध प्रदर्शन किया। pic.twitter.com/xzQOcxiXjs
Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics owing to her weight is both wrong and illogical. Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for failing to meet the weight category requirements, which are rigidly enforced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the relevant wrestling federations. Notably, the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules say, “If an athlete does not attend or fails the weigh-in, he/she will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last without rank.”
There are also insinuations that her team betrayed her leading to the weight gain. But that is also incorrect, because Vinesh Phogat had requested and was allowed to keep her private support team, including coach, physio, dietician etc, and she is not under the supervision of the Indian wrestling team.
The disqualification was due to certain sporting regulations and standards that apply equally to all participants, regardless of nationality or political affiliation. The assertion that this is somehow linked to her past protests against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is unsupported by common sense forget evidence.
If the qualification or disqualification or winning and losing of athletes was actually decided on PM Modi’s whims, all 117 Indian athletes participating in the Paris Olympics 2024 would’ve won the gold medals.
Myanmar’s military administration announced on Monday, 5th August that it had lost contact with the top commanders of a strategically vital army headquarters in the northeast, lending validity to Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Arm, a rebel group’s claims of seizing the base.
The loss of the army’s Northeast Command in Lashio City would be the most serious setback for Myanmar’s military administration this year, as an onslaught by an alliance of powerful ethnic minority forces makes significant progress in the civil conflict. As per the reports, the seizing of the base includes the critical Muse border crossing with China and the vital crossroads at Kyaukme, paving the door for strikes on Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar’s second-largest city.
The Military Junta Chief, after an alliance of ethnic armed groups confirmed the development on August 5th and said that Myanmar’s military had withdrawn from some positions close to China’s border to prioritise the ‘safety of people’.
Shan State in the eastern part of Myanmar has been shaken by violence since late June after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) launched a campaign against the military along a main trade route to China. “About the situation in Shan State, security forces withdrew their positions by considering the security of current areas and the safety of people,” Junta Chief, Min Aung Hlaing said in a speech on August 5th.
“The government will continually strive to ensure peace and stability – not only in Shan State, but the entire nation,” he added. His remarks appeared only days after the MNDAA announced that it had conquered a regional military command following weeks of fighting, dealing a significant blow to the junta.
Alliance fighters fully captured the headquarters of the northeast military command in Lashio, according to a statement issued Saturday. Major-General Zaw Min Tun, the Junta’s spokesman, further confirmed on Monday that the military had lost contact with high-command commanders due to intensive combat.
The collapse of the operations of Myanmar’s North Eastern Command in Lashio, the northern Shan State capital, is a big setback for the military. Established in 1972, the regional command won multiple battles against the Communist Party of Burma and ethnic forces.
Throughout its decades-long stay in Lashio, the Myanmar military developed impressive defensive buildings. The facility oversaw all military operations from the neighbouring Mandalay Region in the west to the Chinese border in the north and east. It was one of 14 regional military commands around the country. Now, the contact has been lost.
Reports mention that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership is in serious question after the fall of the North Eastern Command in Lashio. In his address on Monday, he blamed the external forces (China) for interfering in the civil war leading to such chaos. However, the Myanmar military considered superior in terms of hardware and manpower also failed to prevent the loss of the military command headquarters in northeastern Shan. This is despite the country possessing warplanes, helicopters, heavy artillery, naval ships, armoured vehicles, and mounted missiles.
The Brotherhood Alliance, made up of the MNDAA, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Arakan Army, along with their allies, has had some success against the Myanmar military since October last year, despite having few heavy weapons and drones. The regime used a ceasefire period from January to June, arranged by China, to build up defences around Lashio. To capture Lashio, the MNDAA surrounded the city and its 10,000 defenders, which included about 6,000 regular soldiers and militia members.
The MNDAA assembled three brigades and steadily decimated the Myanmar armed forces’ outer defensive positions, gradually decreasing the defense line and infiltrating the city’s interior. The ethnic Kokang army and its allies demonstrated a high level of military expertise, local support, intelligence, and strategic clarity, which helped them position themselves favourably in the fight and win the Battle of Lashio.
It is worth noting that China pressured the MNDAA and its supporters to stop attacking Lashio. It was believed that China wanted to wait and see if the government would extend the emergency rule at the end of July. As anticipated, the regime followed through, and Min Aung Hlaing now serves as interim president. It is worth noting that the fall of Lashio and the regional command occurred three days after the prolongation of the emergency rule.
The failure in Lashio will undoubtedly have shocked the military. As per the reports, the military supporters are filled with feelings of defeat, fear, rage, frustration, and humiliation.
The MNDAA first claimed the capture of the Northeast Command and Lashio on July 25th, but the news was premature because the army continued to fight. The MNDAA announced on Saturday that the organization has finally captured the Northeast Command headquarters and defeated the last army units in Lashio.
There were reports of fighting in the city on Sunday, and photographs of detained soldiers and equipment circulated extensively on social media, implying that the MNDAA had seized the base. The MNDAA shared a photo of its fighters posing in front of a sign outside Northeast Command.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, Myanmar’s ruling military council spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday that it had lost contact with commanders at the Northeast Command headquarters Saturday night and had unconfirmed reports that some had been arrested by the MNDAA.
The holy month of Shravan has started and with it, the festival season has also begun in Gujarat. Meanwhile, a shocking incident has come to light in Rajkot district where four members of a Hindu family were stabbed in the Bhagwatipara area of the city. Two members of the family were going from Ashaba Pir to another Hindu family to build a Dasha Ma Vrat mandap, when Muslim youths named Sikandar, Afzal, Sameer and Dared had an altercation with them and later went to their residence and attacked them.
According to the information, the incident is of Bhagwatipara Street No. 9 under Rajkot B Division Police Station. Jagdishbhai Vaghela lives here and runs a mandap service. Mihir and Ashish, his sons do fast food business. Mihir Vaghela is the complainant in the matter. He filed a report at the B Division Police Station and stated that the incident happened on Sunday (4th August). The complaint revealed that Mihir and his brother were in their grocery store when their mother came running and called them home. As soon as the two reached their house and asked their father, he disclosed that they had gone to Ashaba Pir Dargah to set up a mandap for Dasha Ma Vrat and had an argument with the accused.
The complaint mentioned that the perpetrators reached their house with sharp weapons while they were talking and attacked the family. Ashish (19) was stabbed in the stomach during the assault. He is currently receiving treatment and is in a critical state. Others were thrashed as well after which a case has been filed at Rajkot B division. OpIndia has a copy of the First Information Report.
They are Hindus, make sure they die: Mihir narrated the ordeal to OpIndia
We got in touch with the victim family’s eldest son, Mihir Vaghela, to learn more details about the shocking event. He unveiled, “My brother and I were standing when my mother ran over to call us. We went back to inquire and our father told us that he and another person were going on the main road to set up a pandal for the Dasha Ma Vrat of a Hindu family living near the Dargah of Ashaba Pir. On the way, Muslim young men named Sikandar, Afzal, Dared and Sameer stopped them.” He added, “My father told me that the culprits ordered him not to come there next time. My father along with another person had already returned. We were chatting when the four Muslim males came there with sharp objects and attacked us before we could make sense of anything. My parents were also beaten when they came to our aid.”
Ashish Vaghela (Source: OpIndia Gujarati)
Mihir further informed, “Meanwhile, Sikandar and Dared caught my younger brother and Afzal stabbed him in the stomach with his knife. The accused declared, ‘They are Hindu boys. They are Hindus. Attack them to the point of death. Struck them with such force that they collapse.’ My brother was covered in blood. Blood was oozing out of his stomach. People from the vicinity then assembled there and the four fled. We admitted my brother to the Civil Hospital right away so that he could receive treatment because of his more severe condition.” He highlighted, “They had come with the intention of killing us,” in response to a question about Ashish’s current state of health. “My brother’s life is still at risk because of the way he was stabbed.” According to Mihir, Ashish is currently stuck between life and death. His condition is very serious. He is still undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital.
Hindu organizations will provide all help to the family – Vishwa Hindu Parishad
The occurrence has also angered the Hindu community and outfits in the area. Hindu groups are furious over the matter. Ashish Seth, the district in charge of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Rajkot, told OpIndia that the family initially filed a complaint at the Bhagwatipara police station. “Sub-inspector Sheikh registered a case under mild sections and arrested the accused. Therefore, there was dissatisfaction in the family. Later they went to B Division Police Station, where Inspector Jadeja assured them of proper investigation.”
On the other hand, Vishwa Hindu Parishad has been in touch with the family and promised them all available assistance. He stated, “All Hindu groups, including the VHP, will support them with whatever they need. We have also spoken to the police and requested them to take strict action as per the rules. The condition of the younger son of the victim family remains critical. The accused stabbed him indiscriminately, shouting ‘He is a Hindu’s son, finish him off’.”
Four accused apprehended and action initiated
It is important to note that shortly after the complaint was filed, all four of the accused were taken into custody. The four brothers Sikandar, Afzal, Dared (also known as Dalio) and Sameer Rauma are the subject of a case filed by the authorities under sections 118(2), 115(2), 352 and 54 NS of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 135 of Gujarat Police Act (GPA). OpIndia attempted but was unable, to reach B Division Police to inquire on the status of the proceedings. The post will be updated as soon as additional information becomes available.
Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, currently in Paris, has responded to the recent disqualification. The former Indian track and field athlete expressed her shock at the event and confirmed that the IOA has filed an appeal with United World Wrestling (UWW), the global wrestling authority.
“Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago. I assured her of the full support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the entire country,” PT Usha stated in a video message.
“We cut her hair, shortened her clothes. Did everything possible.”
On Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, detailed word from IOA President PT Usha & Vinesh’s nutritionist Dinshaw Pardiwala: pic.twitter.com/eDuXu3pkzR
“We are providing Vinesh with all necessary medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation of India has lodged an appeal with UWW regarding the disqualification and is pursuing it vigorously. I recognize the tireless efforts of Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night to help her meet the competition requirements.”
Dr. Dinshaw Paudiwala, the Indian Olympic team’s doctor, also stated while seated next to Usha. He revealed that the team resorted to cutting Vinesh’s hair on Tuesday night to help reduce her weight.
“Vinesh’s nutritionist indicated that her typical intake is 1.5 kg over the day, providing her enough energy for the matches. Sometimes, post-competition, there’s rebound weight gain. Vinesh had three bouts, and to avoid dehydration, some water was necessary. We noticed that her post-participation weight had increased more than usual,” Paudiwala said.
“The coach started the weight-cut process that has always worked with Vinesh. He was confident in its success. We proceeded with the weight-cut procedure.
“However, in the morning, we found that despite all our efforts, her weight was still 100 grams over the 50kg weight category, leading to her disqualification. We tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting her hair and shortening her clothes.
“Despite all of this, we couldn’t achieve the 50kg weight category.”
Paudiwala added that Vinesh underwent a series of tests following the disqualification to ensure her vitals were normal.
“Following the disqualification, as a precaution, Vinesh was given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. We conducted blood tests to ensure everything was normal. This process is ongoing at the Olympic Hospital here. All of Vinesh’s parameters during the weight cut were normal.
“Vinesh spoke with IOA president PT Usha. She mentioned that although she feels physically and mentally normal, she is disappointed as this is her third Olympics, and she has been disqualified.”
In a major blow to India’s medal hopes, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics. Notably, during the weigh-in for her gold medal bout against US wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, she was found 100 grams over the allowed weight limit for wrestlers in the 50 kg freestyle category, resulting in her disqualification. Following her disqualification, the US wrestler will take away the gold medal while Phogat will be leaving the Paris Olympics without a medal.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) updated the country about this shocking development and asked everyone to respect Vinesh’s privacy. In a statement, the IOA said, “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the team’s efforts through the night, she was a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy and will focus on the ongoing competitions.”
? It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made…
Following the development, PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and asked her to file a strong protest regarding her disqualification and find all options to help Vinesh’s case.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. He asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case. He also urged PT Usha to file a strong… pic.twitter.com/qlGivfAXqL
However, according to the rules of the United World Wrestling (UWW), “If an athlete does not attend or fails the weigh-in, he/she will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last without rank.”
According to media reports, Vinesh Phogat and the Indian contingent were aware of it and had made all the possible efforts to meet the weight criteria before the weigh-in for her gold medal bout. But Phogat, who was within the weight limit for her Tuesday’s bouts, failed to remain within the weight limit of her category on both days of the competition. Notably, all the bouts in her weight category were to be completed in two days. As per reports, she was around 2 Kgs above the weight limit on Tuesday night.
Consequently, Vinesh and the Indian contingent made several efforts to bring her weight down like strenuous exercising and she reportedly didn’t sleep throughout the night. This also included taking some extreme measures like cutting her hair, trimming her clothes, even trying to draw out blood. She attempted to lose weight through sweats by sitting in the sauna throughout the night.
However, despite all the strenuous and best efforts by Phogat, her coaches and Indian support staff, she could not bring her weight to the allowed limit. While the weight did come down by around 2 kg, it was still around 100 grams above the limit.
Vinesh Phogat didn't sleep all night, working tirelessly to shed 2 kg for the final, but missed the mark by just 100 grams. Now she’s hospitalized. This is perhaps the most cruel and heartbreaking incident in Indian sports history. ? #VineshPhogat#Olympics2024pic.twitter.com/4hOgziQ2J1
Furthermore, the Indian contingent had requested the officials to give some additional time in which she could have met the weight criteria but the officials denied India’s request.
According to media reports, minutes after the officials disqualified her, she fainted due to dehydration and had to be hospitalised. Currently, she is in the polyclinic of the Olympic Village and her health parameters are stable and is resting.
Stop this conspiracy theory. Gagan Narang, Dinshaw Pardiwala, her husband, physios , medical staff, IOA officials, people back in India, OGQ they worked through the night to cut her weight. Dr Pardiwala even said we cannot endanger her life. @WIONews
Vinesh Phogat had secured a place in 50 kg category for Olympic qualification tournament in a controversy-laced trials as she decided to compete in two weight categories against UWW rules
It is, however, pertinent to note that Phogat previously used to compete in the 53 kg weight category. But during the time she was off the mat for more than one-and-a-half years due to injuries and the protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Antim Panghal secured an Olympic quota for India in the 53kg category.
She then decided to switch to the lighter weight – 50 kg category – to ensure her place in the Olympics. But ever since then, she has been struggling to maintain her weight below the allowed limit for several months now. Her normal weight is 56 kg, and while she manages to bring it below 53 kg, reducing it by further 3 kg is a big challenge.
Incidentally, she faced similar issues during the Olympic qualifiers in the 50 kg weight division. Strikingly, dramatic scenes had unfolded during the wrestling trials after she delayed the selection trials in the women’s 50 kg and 53 kg categories. She didn’t let the trials to start and demanded that the ad-hoc committee of the IOC should give a written assurance that the final trials in the 53kg weight class will be held before the Olympics.
Apart from demanding written assurance from the authorities, she didn’t let the competition start as she also sought permission to compete in both 50kg and 53kg trials which is not permitted under the UWW rules. However, other wrestlers who were slated to compete in the 50 kg category protested and complained to the officials regarding the delay.
Incidentally, she had turned up at the SAI centre to compete in the 50 kg trials but decided to participate in two weight categories at the Olympic trials, which led to controversies as Article 7 of (UWW) clearly states that a contestant can be allowed to take part only in one weight category on a single day.
It rules, ”Each contestant deemed to be taking part of his/her own free will, and responsible for himself/herself, shall be allowed to compete in only one weight category: the one corresponding to his weight at the time of the official weigh-in.”
Conspicuously, the development unfolded even though the IOA ad-hoc panel had already announced that a final trial would be held for India’s representative in the 53 kg category at the Olympics. The best four wrestlers in the 53kg weight category were bound to compete in trials near the Games and the winner would then have competed with Antim Panghal. The winner of that bout was slated to represent India.
Back then, a coach present during the trials had said, ”Vinesh wants an assurance from the government. Probably she fears that if WFI gets back the control, the federation may change the selection policy. But how can the government give assurance on this? The government can’t interfere in selection matters.”
Nonetheless, when the ad-hoc committee for wrestling acceded to her demand, Vinesh defeated Shivani 11-6 in the 50 kg weight category and secured a place in the Paris Olympics Qualification tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. However, she lost the 53kg bout to Anju by technical superiority 0-10.
Doctors and she herself admitted maintaining lighter weight would be tough for her
While after the bizarre delay and dramatic selection trials, she secured a place for herself in the 50 kg qualification tournament for the Olympics, Phogat had admitted earlier this year that it would be tough for her to maintain her weight as she has very high muscle mass. She noted that because she has high muscle mass, she gains weight easily. Additionally, as per reports, her usual weight is around 56 kg.
After winning the 50kg quota for India, she had said, “I will have to manage my weight a lot better. I have brought myself down to 50kg after so long so I will try and maintain this as much as I can. It’s not easy for me not to put on weight because my muscle mass is very high.”
She further added, “Because of that, I gain weight easily. It doesn’t matter how fit I am, I still gain weight because I have a lot of muscle mass. I just want to control my weight. I have four months left, and every day is very important.”
Last year, in August, she underwent a ligament tear surgery and during that time, her weight reportedly reached 59 kgs. However, for the Olympic quota of 50 kgs, she reduced her food and water intake considerably even after the doctors had advised her against it as sudden weight loss could lead to weakness and injuries. But she competed in the 50 kg category and had a spectacular outing at the Olympics till Tuesday night.
During this Olympic stint, she had reached the finals in this weight division, defeating four time world champion and reigning Olympic Gold medalist but on the last day of the event, she failed to bring her weight down below the allowed limit for one final time, ending up in her disqualification and a major setback for India.
Talking to BBC Hindi yesterday, her fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia had talked about the challenges Phogat is facing in maintaining weight. He said that losing weight for women is more difficult compared to men because men sweat easily. He said that she is taking limited food and water for the last few months in an attempt to keep her weight below 50kg.
After the violent protesters toppled the democratically elected government of PM Sheikh Hasina, supporters of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and radical Islamist groups including Jamaat-e-Islami have been unleashing terror against the leaders and cadre of Awami League and minority communities particularly, the Hindus. Several horrifying videos and images have surfaced from all major cities in Bangladesh, showing graphic attacks on countless Hindus, their houses and their temples.
OpIndia earlier reported how Pakistani social media handles had fueled this social unrest in Bangladesh and how it amplified fake news and anti-government propaganda shared by notorious Bangladeshi handles. Now, even though the protesters have achieved all their ‘stated and intended’ aims – the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, the same usual suspects and handles are continuing fueling the protests and directing it against India and the Hindu community. The Pakistan-linked rumour mills have been spreading fake news targeting India and the Hindu community living in Bangladesh.
Several social media handles which have a shoddy timeline which apparently matches with bot accounts, are fueling anti-India and anti-Hindu propaganda. These anti-India posts have been alleging that Indians are making efforts to take over Bangladesh and for that it has deployed several Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agents all across Bangladesh to provoke Islamists and radicalised supporters of opposition parties in Bangladesh to target Hindus. Needless to say that as for Islamists, Bangladeshi Hindus are more likely to be collaborators/affiliated with R&AW then Muslims and thus there is an attempt to dehumanise these Bangladeshi citizens.
Responding to Indian YouTuber Abhishek Malan’s post where he expressed concern for Bangladeshi Hindus, an X user named Sabbir Hossain dragged India’s intelligence agency, R&AW. Peddling anti-India propaganda, the user went on to allege and blame RAW (Pakistan’s reference for R&AW) for killing “Bangladeshi civilians and students”.
In his post, he also attached several dubious tweets, incidentally all of these handles are apparently working from Pakistani locations but have been claiming to give running commentary that is driving agenda in Bangladesh rather than Bangladeshi media which is already on ground and have reported nothing of such sorts.
In the dubious tweets, done from Pakistan-based handles, they alleged that around 30 R&AW personnel had been arrested while they were attempting to flee while another claimed that a senior official, the agency’s station chief was arrested. Strikingly, such fake news has been shared from handles like (@IntelPk_), Pakistan based.
Needless to say that these claims have been found to be false as the en-mass arrest of 30 officials is said to be Bangladeshi police personnel, representative of a government, who had hidden fearing for their lives from violent rioters.
2286 ANALYSIS: Fake
FACT: ISPR-funded propaganda accounts are circulating videos from Bangladesh unrest with the claim that 30 Indian Intelligence Agency RAW Officers Arrested in Bangladesh Army Uniform Attempting to Flee. The fact is that these claims are fake. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/HzwQMauSSZ
Ironically, the handle Sabbir Hossain itself mirrors the activities of a bot account dedicated to fanboying Munnawar Faruqui and fueling a few anti-India posts. The account created in Jan 2024 has a timeline dominated by promotional posts at highly irregular intervals.
Similarly, based out of London, Pakistani film director, anchor and YouTuber host of a program called “Khara Sach”, Mubasher Lucman also amplified this fake news to peddle anti-India narrative. He wrote, “Indian spy agency RAW’s station chief has been arrested by Bangladeshi army from Dhaka.”
A Facebook user also peddled a similar anti-India agenda.
While the fake news have already been busted, it is pertinent to highlight that the source of majority of such fake news have been Pakistani handles that are provoking Bangladeshi citizens with their anti-India and anti-Hindu agenda to turn create a strong wedge in the two countries diplomatic relations.
Major development so far in Bangladesh in last few days
The bloody protests that started in June as an anti-quota movement have been plaguing Bangladesh for almost two months. On 5th August things took a significant turn as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed resigned and departed the nation. She has since landed at the Hindon air base in India, where National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met her. The army is now in charge of the neighbouring country and has installed an “interim government” composed of judges, doctors and former military personnel as announced by Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman.
Meanwhile, the United States has revoked the visa of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to reports. This development follows reports that Western countries, including the US, wanted her removed from power. Additionally, reports suggest that the United Kingdom has told her that there are ‘no provision’ for asylum.
British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the country to seek asylum or temporary refuge, as per reports citing the UK Home Office. This statement comes amid ongoing speculation that ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, currently in Delhi, might fly to London to seek sanctuary.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that within the next five years, India’s aviation industry will use 20 per cent of Bio-aviation fuel.
“Within five years our aviation industry will use 20 per cent of bio-aviation fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and that is to be starting it from parali (Stubble) and the farmer will get the rate of Rs 2500 per ton for it” said Gadkari during a reply in Rajya Sabha.
The minister also highlighted that now the highway ministry is using bio-bitumen in the construction of roads which is helping India in reducing the imports of the Bitumen. Bio-bitumen is a bio-based binder derived from renewable sources like crop stubble and is used to bind the surfaces of paved roads.
“We are the largest road network in the world, 90 per cent of roads we are using Bitumens layer and Bitumens consumption in 2023-24 was 88 lak ton, 2024-25 which is expected to be 100 lak tan. In total, we need to import 50 per cent of the Bitumen and the annual import cost is Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crore”
The minister highlighted that Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) New Delhi in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Dehradun has developed Bio Bitumen from the stubble. The minister stated that by contributing to the energy sector the farmers have now become ‘Urja Daata’ also.
“Our farmers are now not only Anna Daata, they are Urja daata, not only Urja daata, they are Bitumen data and not only Bitumen daata, they are now Hawa Irdhan daata (Air Fuel)” the minister added.
The minister also informed that a test section has also been laid on the Shamli-Muzaffarnagar Section of NH-709AD in November 2022 for performance monitoring for a period of three years to assess the suitability of bio-bitumen in road construction.
NHAI has also contemplated a trial with bio-bitumen on the Jorabat-Shillong section of NH-40. Envisaged benefits of bio-bitumen are a reduction in bitumen import, reduced Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and opportunity for farmers/MSMEs to generate revenue and provide employment.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
As the news of Sheikh Hasina‘s resignation spread across Bangladesh, houses, places of worship, and business establishments belonging to the Hindus were attacked around the country. Hindu temples were targeted in Natore, Dhamrai in Dhaka, Kalapara in Patuakhali, Shariatpur, and Faridpur, as well as houses in Jessore, Noakhali, Meherpur, Chandpur, and Khulna. Dinajpur saw the vandalisation of 40 Hindu shops. In addition, one Ahmadiyya mosque in Taraganj, Rangpur, was attacked and vandalised.
In Jashore (also spelled Jessore) district, 10 Hindu houses in Dhopaidi Palpara village of Abhayanagar were burnt. 22 shops including the warehouse of Babul Saha vandalised and looted in Narikel Bariya of Bagharpara, and 8 minority homes were attacked in Keshabpur, Bechpara and Barmanpara. Raksha Kali Temple was looted and burnt in Sadar Upazila.
According to eyewitnesses and homeowners, over a hundred people attacked at least 25 shops in Narikelbaria market in Bagharpara upazila yesterday afternoon. Of these stores, 20 were owned by Hindus. The attackers stormed the shop and pillaged the goods.
Muslim mobs looted Hindu houses, stole cattle and jewellery, demanded money to spare their lives
On the evening of 6th August, the Narikelbaria Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Bablu Kumar Saha’s house in Bagharpara Upazila was attacked and vandalised by a Muslim mob. Then, at night, ten to twelve persons entered Liton Kundu’s residence in Narikelbaria village, armed with ramda (a sharp weapon) and countrymade weapons. They held the residents of the house captive at gunpoint and stole three bags of gold jewellery and 2700 Bangladeshi Taka. Similarly, one Shimul Saha’s house in the same village was targeted and vandalised this morning. At the time, they demanded one lakh rupees from the residents of the house. Later, they went to Narikelbaria market and vandalised at least three Hindu stores.
A group of 10 to 12 people attacked the Hindupara of Shalbrat village of the upazila where 65 Hindu families resided. The Muslim attackers were carrying sharp weapons and wrapped black cloth around their faces. They demanded money from the Hindus after storming into their houses. As an old man failed to pay them, the Muslim attackers assaulted him. They also took away cows and goats from Hindu houses. Similar incidents were reported in the Sekanderpur area.
From Tuesday evening to early morning, 20 to 25 Hindu homes in five villages of Dhalgram Union, Bagharpara Upazila, were attacked and plundered in four rounds.
A Muslim stormed and vandalised former Dhalgram UP chairman Subhash Debnath’s house in Manikdwa village. At this time, they took two cows from the cowshed. Later, a mob attacked Dipankar Biswas’ house in Andharkota village, vandalising it four times. Four cows, 25 ducks, 15 chickens, 40 duck eggs, two sacks of rice, and an electric motor were stolen from the residence. The attackers demanded Tk 1 lakh, however, upon not getting money they set the Hindu house ablaze by pouring petrol. The Hindu family saved their lives by giving Tk 50,000.
Similar attacks were unleashed on Hindu houses and shops in Sultannagar, Monirampur and Khatuadanga market. According to a World Hindu Federation (Bangladesh Chapter) press release, in Monirampur upazila of Jashore district 2 Kali temples and 1 Durga temple were burnt. 13 Hindu-owned shops and 17 Hindu houses were looted and vandalized.
On Tuesday afternoon, a Muslim mob invaded the home of Monishankar Roy of Barandi village, a member of Ward No. 6 of Payra UP in Abhaynagar Upazila, vandalising and stealing cash and gold ornaments. According to Monishankar Roy, the attackers entered the residence by using an axe to hack through the grill. In addition to vandalism, the attackers stole four lakh rupees in cash and seven pieces of gold jewellery.
In the evening, the attackers vandalised and set fire to the home of Payra UP former chairman Bishnupad Dutta in Barandi village. Later, they attacked and vandalised the residences of Robin Biswas, Yudhisthira Biswas, and Mohen Bairagi in Barandi village. The attackers stole gold jewellery and other goods from Hindu houses in Abhaynagar upazila.
In Noakhali’s Hatiya, three houses and four shops of the Hindus were attacked, vandalized and plundered. Among the houses attacked, one belonged to Upazila Hindu Parishad leader Sahdev Saha in Somadia. In addition, women were also asaulted. The Hindus informed the Hatiya Police Station, however, nobody came to their rescue. Similar attacks on Hindu houses in Sahapara were also reported. The BNP and Jamat-e-Islami members alongside other Muslim mobs were involved in the attacks.
In Dhaka’s Dhamrai, a mob comprising 100 to 150 people marched and attacked the house of local Meena Rani Das in the Barbaria area of Gangutia Union, Dhamrai, Dhaka. The mob vandalised the house and tried to attack a Durga Temple, however, they could not break the lock. In Patuakhali Kuakata Municipal Awami League Joint General Secretary Anant Mukherjee’s residence and a local Hindu temple were attacked. Amidst the attacks on Hindus, both the BNP and JeI as well as the Awami League are shifting blame on each other.
In Lalpur in Natore, around six houses including the house of the Puja Udyapan Parishad president and a temple were vandalised and plundered. As per a Prothom Alo report, the mob attacked the house of Upazila Puja Udyapan Parishad president and school teacher Dwipendranath Saha yesterday around 7:30 pm. Later, the mob attacked the houses of Saha’s brother Naresh Chandra Saha and neighbour Shimul Sarkar. From cash, jewellery, phones and laptops to rice sacks, the mob looted whatever they found.
The attackers also vandalised the Jotdaivaki Shiva and Kali temples and broke eight CCTV cameras. The houses of college teachers Dvigendranath Pal and Ranendranath Pal were attacked in Palpara of Madhavpur upazila. The attackers injured Pal’s hand with sharp weapons. In Bhatpara village, a retired Hindu school teacher Kartik Chandra was also assaulted.
Houses of Puja Udyapan Parishad President Dwipendranath Saha and his brother Naresh Chandra Saha were attacked, vandalized and looted at Lalpur in Natore (Source: Prothom Alo)
On Monday, 9 houses of Hindus were attacked in Meherpur, including the house of an Awami League leader. In Meherpur, ISKCON mandir was attacked, vandalized and looted. 1 Kali temple and 2 Durga temples were looted and vandalized. More than 10 Hindu houses and 8/9 Hindu-owned shops were looted and burnt. 2 Hindu girls were kidnapped.
As reported earlier, Meherpur ISKCON spokesperson Yudhisthir Govinda Das said, “As per the info I have received, one of our ISKCON centres (rented) in Meherpur was burnt including with the deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi. Three devotees who lived in the centre somehow managed to escape & survived.”
On Tuesday, the house of Pallab Bhattacharya, a resident of the Hotel Bazar area of the city and District Awami League Legal Affairs Secretary, was set on fire. A mob attacked Pallava Bhattacharya’s house with sticks, rods and iron pipes.
House of District Awami League Legal Affairs Secretary Pallab Bhattacharya was set on fire in Hotel Bazar area of Meherpur (Source: Prothom Alo)
In Dinajpur, at least 40 Hindu-owned shops were vandalised and robbed in the Chowrangi market of the Isania Union of Bochaganj Upazila. On Monday afternoon, at least 100 people entered the market and staged an attack. Later, as they approached Sahaspur village near the market, the residents of the minority community stopped them. They later threatened to leave the residence and departed.
As per the World Hindu Federation’s estimates, in Dinajpur, the Fulthala cremation ground was forcefully occupied. Five temples including Kali Mandir in Parbatipur were vandalised. 7 minority community houses were attacked and looted in Setabganj Bochakganj and Dhalla village of Chirirbandar Thana area.
In Chandpur, the Muslim mob attacked the house of Puranbazar Degree College Principal Ratan Kumar Majumdar in the city’s Adalt Para and the house of Gallak Adarsh Degree College Principal Haripad Das in Faridganj was attacked, vandalized, looted and set ablaze.
In Shariatpur, a temple in Dhanuka Mansa house was attacked. The Muslim mob broke the idol of Lord Krishna and fled the spot after the army personnel arrived. Other than this, the house of journalist Dulal Saha in the Sadar upazila was attacked, vandalized, and looted. One Durga temple in the Sadar was vandalized. Other than this, 7 to 8 Hindu houses were attacked and looted.
Similarly, in Khulna 11 Hindu houses were attacked in different unions of Dakop Upazila in Khulna. “The houses of Shyamal Kumar Das and Swajan Kumar Das in Highgate village of Rupsa Thana area, 1 unidentified Hindu (approx. 50 years) was killed. The houses of Biman Bihari Amit, president of the Khulna District Unity Council and Animesh Sarkar Rinku, president of the Youth Unity Council in Tootpara of Khulna city, house of Jayanta Gain in Amtali Banisanta, Dacope, and houses of the minority community in Darpara, Koyra and other 7 houses were attacked, vandalised and looted. 2 Durga temples were vandalized and looted,” WHF reported.
“There was an attack on the house of Kamarkhola UP chairman Panchanan Kumar Mandal of Vitabhanga village. Former chairman of Tildanga UP, Ranjit Kumar Mandal of Kaminibasia village, general secretary of Tildanga Union Awami League Nitya Ranjan Kaviraj, resident of Botbunia village, Pankaj Kabiraj of Botbunia village, Ranjit Mandal, resident of Tildanga Madhyapara village, Suranjan Mandal of Tildanga Vadalbunia village were attacked and vandalised,” Prothom Alo reported.
On the evening of 6th August, Hindu houses and businesses were attacked and vandalised in Madhukhali and Sadarpur of Faridpur. In multiple attacks, several Hindu-owned medical stores and garment shops were looted by the assailants. In Rangpur and some other areas, the places of worship of the Ahmadiyyas were also attacked.
According to the World Hindu Federation, “in Thakurgaon, the house of Sahadev Roy in Sonadia, Hatiya, Noakhali, was attacked and looted. Other 8/9 Hindu houses in the Sadar upazila were attacked, vandalised, and looted. Additionally, in ward 2 of Pirganj, the cremation temple was attacked and burnt. 1 Durga temple and 1 Kali temple were burnt. Jhenaidah saw extensive violence with ongoing attacks, vandalism, and looting at the homes of 10 minority families in Chaklapara municipality. 6/7 minority shops in Kotchandpur were also attacked and lotted. Radha Gobinda temple were looted and vandalised.”
List attacks on Hindus in the ongoing anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh (Source: WHF Bangladesh Chapter)
In Pabna, 10/12 minority homes were attacked, vandalised, and looted in Hathuria and Bera Thana. 2 Kali temples were vandalized and looted. In Nilphamari, 5 minority homes in Bamunia Union, Domar Upazila, were attacked, vandalised, and looted. There was an attempted attack on several minority homes in the Barakali Bari area. 2 temples were vandalized and looted. In Bagerhat, 7/8 Hindu houses were vandalized and looted. In Paikpara village of Rakhalgachi union, the invaders attacked and killed Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee and other family members were seriously injured. 1 Kali temple and 1 Durga Temple were looted and burnt, the WHF said.
List attacks on Hindus in the ongoing anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh (Source: WHF Bangladesh Chapter)
If Bangladesh becomes “Hindu free”, India will suffer: Secretary General of World Hindu Federation [Bangladesh] tells OpIndia
Speaking to OpIndia, Dipan Mitra, the Secretary General of the World Hindu Federation (WHF) – Bangladesh Chapter said that the situation of Hindus is getting worse day by day. Giving a rough estimate, Mitra told us that more than 4 Hindu people Haradhan Roy, Kajal Roy, Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee and one unidentified have been killed, 51 Hindu temples vandalised and around 240 Hindu houses have been attacked.
When asked if the Bangladeshi Army and the police are doing anything to save Hindus, he said that although there are around 2.5 crore Hindus in Bangladesh, however, they are “unsecure and unsafe”.
“When Sheikh Hasina left the country the Army Chief said that he would take the power and keep up peace here. But, finally, no police or army is supporting Hindus. We Hindus are still being attacked but till now we have not received any support from the Army or police force,” the Bangladesh WHF Secretary General said.
Upon being asked if the Bangladeshi mainstream media is showing any anti-Hindu bias in covering the attacks on Hindus or if they are downplaying the incidents, Dipan Mitra said that except for a few media outlets most of them are not covering the issue in detail. He added that many houses are also afraid that if they report the attack on Hindus thoroughly, they will be attacked.
“At this moment, If the media groups show the exact numbers of attacks on Hindus and vandalism of Hindu properties and temples, they will be targeted,” Mitra said.
He further expressed concern that the dire situation of Hindus in Bangladesh is not going to return to normalcy anytime soon. Mitra told us that other than the Bangladeshi extremist groups, the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI is also involved in the prevalence of this unrest. Due to this, he said, “I think it is difficult to tell when the situation will return to normal.”
Dipan Mitra also told OpIndia that they are requesting the Indian government to intervene, however, the Bangladeshi Hindus have not received any direct help so far. “We always expect the Indian government to help, especially the Hindu minorities. We have appealed to them to take the initiative to save us,” he said while emphasising that the Indian government must intervene to save the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh.
Notably, in a statement on the 6th of August, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the concern about violence and instability in the neighbouring country is shared across the political spectrum in India. He added that what is particularly worrying about the developments in Bangladesh is that minorities, their businesses and temples have come under attack at various locations in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh WHF Secretary-General expressed apprehension that if Hindus were wiped out from Bangladesh, eventually it would be disastrous for India. He said that in Afghanistan, Hindus have already been wiped out, in Pakistan, only a few lakhs of Hindus are left, however, in Bangladesh, their population is comparatively much higher. He stressed that if India does not take any action Hindus will be wiped out of Bangladesh and then that will create a grave situation for India.
“Afghanistan is becoming totally Hindu free, in Pakistan only a few lakh Hindus are left, but in Bangladesh, still there are 2.5 crore Hindus. But if in this situation, India does not take any initiative, after a certain period, Bangladesh will be totally Hindu-free. And then, if Bangladesh becomes a Hindu-free and Islamic-extremist country, India will be the biggest sufferer and it will suffer more and more.
Speaking about Islamists and their left-liberal sympathisers downplaying the incidents of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, Mitra said that they are misguiding the people.
OpIndia asked if there were incidents of Muslims forming ‘human chains’ to protect Hindu temples as being claimed by several usual players like Alt News’s Mohammed Zubair here in India, Mitra simply said, “It is horrible”.
He said that it is horrible and unfortunate that left-liberals in India are downplaying the ongoing anti-Hindu violence and misguiding people with false claims like the Muslims forming human chains etc. Mitra emphasised that the leftists and Islamist sympathisers are not only downplaying the attacks on Hindus but also misleading the global opinion.
Questioning the hypocrisy of left-liberals, Mitra said that “when any such thing happens in far off parts of the world, the leftist parties and their supporters shout and cry but here in a neighbouring Bangladesh where Hindus are suffering a lot, these people are either silent or downplaying these incidents.
Emphasising that former West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu and current CM Mamata Banerjee alongside other Bengali leaders have had their roots in Bangladesh which they have “forgotten” now, Mitra asked why exactly they went to India. Stressing that many Hindu leftists fled Bangladesh fearing persecution at the hands of Islamists there, he asked what drove them out of Bangladesh. He said that Islamists have always attacked and lynched communists-leftists and yet these people always support them. “They never understand,” he said.
The WHF leader also pointed out that in any Islamic country, the left-liberal government or the concept is not allowed to exist. “If Bangladesh becomes a Muslim country, leftists and their ideology will not exist here,” he said.
Furthermore, he requested Indian media to cover the plight of Hindus saying that “for Palestine and Muslims everyone is there, everyone is shouting but for Hindus, no one is beside us”.
Lastly, the WHF leader thanked OpIndia for extensively covering the anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was aiming to win a gold medal for India at the Paris Olympics, faced a shocking disqualification from her event just hours before the final. She was 100 grams over the weight limit for the 50-kg wrestling category. This news has devastated millions of Indians, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian Olympic Association to explore all possible avenues to appeal the disqualification.
PM Modi personally contacted IOA President PT Usha to get firsthand information and discuss potential solutions. He instructed PT Usha to exhaust all options to support Ms. Phogat’s case, including filing a strong protest against the disqualification if necessary.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. He asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case. He also urged PT Usha to file a strong… pic.twitter.com/qlGivfAXqL
Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated wrestler and Olympic medal hopeful, was a strong contender in the 50-kg category. Her disqualification has caused widespread disappointment, but PM Modi’s swift intervention has renewed hopes for a possible reversal.
In a major setback to India’s wrestling medal prospects, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event earlier today.
PM Modi also tweeted to console the wrestler, praising her resilience and calling her a champion among champions.
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the Prime Minister said.
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…
She was set to compete against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match. According to a statement from the Indian Olympic contingent, Ms. Phogat exceeded the 50 kg weight limit and was disqualified.
